Hardwood/Engineered: Where to start?

I'm considering installing hardwood or engineered wood floors. I'll be installing them on the 2nd floor of my house. They will go over the entire floor, except the bathroom (but including the closet).

I've attached a floor plan.

My question is, where should I start? I'd be inclined to start in the hallway, since it makes (to me) most sense for the floor to be parallel to that wall (it highly visible). If the floor is slightly out-of-parallel in the bedrooms and closet, nobody will every notice (covered by clothes or furniture.

Hardwood/Engineered: Where to start?

Hi,

Right now there is carpet. Under the carpet is a 3/4" plywood subfloor. I'll obviously remove the carpet, and I plan to add some screws to the subfloor (original install was nails, and there is some squeaks). I don't want to add more subfloor if I don't have to.

I'm not positive the joist spacing is, but it's most likely 16"

I'm using hardwood and engineered as shortform for solid hardwood, and engineered hardwood. I'd prefer the later, but will take the former. In either case it will be prefinished planks (likely between 3 1/4 and 6 inch widths). Right now I'm leaning towards a walnut engineered click lock (which I would nail down anyway) or a woven bamboo stand solid T&G.

Hardwood/Engineered: Where to start?

I'm considering installing hardwood or engineered wood floors. I'll be installing them on the 2nd floor of my house. They will go over the entire floor, except the bathroom (but including the closet).

I've attached a floor plan.

My question is, where should I start? I'd be inclined to start in the hallway, since it makes (to me) most sense for the floor to be parallel to that wall (it highly visible). If the floor is slightly out-of-parallel in the bedrooms and closet, nobody will every notice (covered by clothes or furniture.

Hardwood/Engineered: Where to start?

Quote:

There can be a fair amount of sun at various times of the day from the windows

Does this have something to do with many people I hear mentioning running the hardwood vertical to a primary light source? I never heard that until laminate floors became popular. With laminate, those wider plank floors really do show the seams and it can really stick out. With hardwood floors it's not as noticeable...and I never heard the suggestion before laminate floors came into being.

Hardwood/Engineered: Where to start?

You don't need a subfloor under Hardwood, laminate or engineered wood flooring. You only need a subfloor under Ceramic or vinyl flooring. in the case of Ceramic, its a cement based board. for vinyl you only need a 1/4 inch subfloor which has nothing to do with material support. its so there's a smooth surface because vinyl will show ALL improfections that might be under it....

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveSmith98

Hi,

Right now there is carpet. Under the carpet is a 3/4" plywood subfloor. I'll obviously remove the carpet, and I plan to add some screws to the subfloor (original install was nails, and there is some squeaks). I don't want to add more subfloor if I don't have to.

I'm not positive the joist spacing is, but it's most likely 16"

I'm using hardwood and engineered as shortform for solid hardwood, and engineered hardwood. I'd prefer the later, but will take the former. In either case it will be prefinished planks (likely between 3 1/4 and 6 inch widths). Right now I'm leaning towards a walnut engineered click lock (which I would nail down anyway) or a woven bamboo stand solid T&G.

Hardwood/Engineered: Where to start?

The word your looking for David is UNDERLAYMENT.
Subfloor is what is installed over floor joists. You do need that for wood.
I know you know this....just wanted to point out the word for the wood that is over the subfloor.

Hardwood/Engineered: Where to start?

Wow. your enjoying yourself arent you ?
Does it make you feel smart ? to twist what i said. Sure who doesnt know you need a SUBFLOOR under hardwood.. I used the word subfloor for the laymen installers... and the DO IT YOURSELFERS.. hence the acronym DIY.

thank you for belittleing everything i said to make yourself appear to be the all knowing floor WIZ of all time... have a great day . I wont come back here to get attacked by ppl like you... you nit-picked everything i said.... If you can't see that cushioned vinyl isnt as good and solid vinyl flooring. then your a disgrace to the industry... you almost sound like a salesman.. not an installer... shakes my head ... SteveSmith98 you buy whatever you feel works for ya. when it rips... don't call me to fix it... good luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floorwizard

The word your looking for David is UNDERLAYMENT.
Subfloor is what is installed over floor joists. You do need that for wood.
I know you know this....just wanted to point out the word for the wood that is over the subfloor.

Hardwood/Engineered: Where to start?

just like ive said a 1000 times in my life.
give a janitor a clip board and his head swells at the thought of being THE BOSS... the proof is your nit-picking apart what i said to SOMEONE ELSE.

Sure inlay can rip too. so can steel if you hit it hard enough..
the FACT IS.. what is better. and all installers know that cushion vinyl floor does not hold up like Inlay does. period..

Steve. go to your local flooring store or a flooring supply house that has installers loading up in the morning.. and ask them all. 99% will say.. cushion floors suck. A salesman wont say that.. they wouldnt sell half the materials the offer if they told the truth.. LOL

good luck steve. I hope whatever you pick works for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floorwizard

The word your looking for David is UNDERLAYMENT.
Subfloor is what is installed over floor joists. You do need that for wood.
I know you know this....just wanted to point out the word for the wood that is over the subfloor.

Hardwood/Engineered: Where to start?

go read how super installer floorwizard nit picked everything i said.. TO SOMEONE ELSE... i gave good advice and he Micro-ANALYZED every bit of it to death.
Anywho. im done helping ppl in these DIY discussions.. theres always a Joe fricken know it all.. barking.